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| What: |
The Rocky Mountaineer Station, which is located in the heart of Vancouver, B.C. boasts 20,000 square feet of open space on eight acres of land. It was officially unveiled in April 2005 and services the departures and arrivals of the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer train in Vancouver. It is also proving to be a popular venue for special events. |
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| In 2004, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations entered into a lease agreement with CN to utilize the railway’s land in the False Creek Flats area. The CN locomotive repair shed built in 1954, which has been used as the foundation for the train station was remodelled at a cost of $4 million (CDN). The integrity of the classic vintage rail building has been maintained restoring it to its former glory combining a nostalgic feel with contemporary design. The creation of a Rocky Mountaineer Vacations owned and operated train station marks a large capital investment for the private company. |
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| Where: |
The train station is located at 1755 Cottrell Street at Terminal Avenue in Vancouver, British Columbia. |
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| When: |
The first official departure of the Rocky Mountaineer train from the station was on Sunday, April 17, 2005. The Rocky Mountaineer train arrives and departs from the station when it travels between Vancouver and Jasper, Banff and Calgary, Alberta in the Canadian Rockies from mid-April to mid-October but the station is also available as an event venue year-round. |
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| Why: |
The move to an independent station for the Rocky Mountaineer in Vancouver enables “The Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World”Ò to have a train station equal to the experience offered on every Rocky Mountaineer vacation. The station complete with vaulted ceilings and mountain views also provides an exciting event venue in Vancouver, as the space is available for rent by community members for private functions.
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| How: |
The Station was designed by Vancouver-based Christopher Bozyk Architects Ltd. and constructed by Ventana Construction. |
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| Specifications: |
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| Exterior: |
What remains is much of the external structure and the brick façade, keeping the integrity of the classic rail building – the CN locomotive repair shed. The most prominent feature is the full-length glass wall that provides guests with a full view of the train waiting on the platform, helping to further build anticipation of the trip to come. Prolonged arrivals and departures are avoided due to the extended train platform which accommodates lengthy train consists.
Extensive landscaping surrounds the station and complements the outdoor patio that is enjoyed by guests as they await the familiar “all aboard” call. |
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| Interior: |
The interior retains the cavernous feel of the large urban rail stations of decades earlier with its open concept and vaulted ceilings. All materials selected reflect the Canadian Rockies in their colour and texture while the overall design shows a flow, attention to detail and flexibility in the space for special events. The glass exterior walls allow the natural light to highlight the textures and colours of the natural materials within such as the rock veneer and cedar battens that adorn the interior walls as well as the plants that enhance the entry hall.
Within the building, furniture is placed in such a way as to reflect the level of service guests have come to expect when travelling on the Rocky Mountaineer. The waiting area provides guests with an unobstructed view of the train from the station’s interior while listening to softly playing music, enjoying complimentary coffee or tea, complimentary Internet service, or shopping at the retail souvenir kiosk. The walls throughout the building are decorated with a pictorial history of the Rocky Mountaineer.
- Capacity: Dining – 780 guests: Reception – 1250 guests: Auditorium – 1400 guests – Stand Up – 1530 guests
- “T” Style design allows you to close off one section for smaller events
- Over 100 parking spaces available as well as 15 bus bays
- Up to 35 ft high ceilings with exposed timber and metal beams
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Environmental
Stewardship: |
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations (Caretakers of Canadian passenger rail) has ensured that the construction of the new station and its use as a departure and arrival point for the Rocky Mountaineer train has minimal impact on the environment. Noise levels and emissions of wayside power used (power supplied to the generators and equipment) while the train is idle in the station have been minimized. Landscaping has been added around the structure and renewable materials in the building of the station were used whenever possible. |
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